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Acrivastine

Information about Acrivastine

Acrivastine Uses

Acrivastine is used in the treatment of allergic eye disease, nasal allergy symptoms, allergic conditions, sneezing and runny nose due to allergies and allergic skin conditions.

How Acrivastine works

Acrivastine is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.

Common side effects of Acrivastine

Sleepiness, Dryness in mouth, Dizziness

CONTENT DETAILS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Subita Alagh

BDS

Last updated

09 Dec 2024 | 03:45 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Acrivastine

Expert advice for Acrivastine

Your doctor has prescribed Acrivastine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
As compared to other similar medications, it is much less likely to make you feel sleepy.
Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
Stop taking Acrivastine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Your doctor has prescribed Acrivastine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling and rashes.
As compared to other similar medications, it is much less likely to make you feel sleepy.
Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
Stop taking Acrivastine at least 3 days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.

Frequently asked questions for Acrivastine

Acrivastine

Q. Is Acrivastine the same as Diphenhydramine?

No, Acrivastine and Diphenhydramine are different medicines. However, they belong to the same group of medicines called antihistamines (medicine to relieve allergy). Both medicines have similar actions, though their uses and effects may vary. Diphenhydramine belongs to the first generation of antihistamines which have sedative (sleep-inducing) effects, whereas Acrivastine belongs to a newer generation of antihistamines which have non-sedative effects.

Q. Is Acrivastine effective?

Yes, Acrivastine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Acrivastine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. Does Acrivastine cause anxiety?

No, Acrivastine is not known to cause anxiety. However, if you have any symptoms of anxiety such as irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, racing thoughts or unwanted thoughts, fatigue or sweating, excessive worry, fear, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nausea and palpitations, it may be due to some other reason that needs to be taken care of. Please consult your doctor for better understanding of your condition otherwise your condition may worsen.

Q. Is Acrivastine an anticholinergic?

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, however, Acrivastine belongs to a newer generation which is non-sedative and has a low potential to act on the central nervous system; Acrivastine lacks significant anticholinergic activity.

Q. Is acrivastine better than cetirizine?

Acrivastine and Cetirizine belong to the same category of medicines called antihistamines. Both are safe and equally effective in treatmenting allergic symptoms.

Q. Can I take acrivastine with cetirizine/ loratadine?

There are no reports which suggest any drug interaction (negative effect) between Acrivastine and cetirizine/ loratadine if both are used together. However, this does not confirm that it is safe to take these drugs together. Always consult a doctor before taking any other medicine while using Acrivastine.

Q. How long does Acrivastine last?

The effect of Acrivastine may last for around 2 hours in your system after a single dose. While, it may last approximately 5 hours after multiple recommended doses.